From the Research
Taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) while on Humira (adalimumab) injections is generally considered safe, as there are no significant known drug interactions between these medications. Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections, while Humira is a biologic immunosuppressant used for autoimmune conditions. In fact, antiviral medications like Valtrex may be beneficial for patients on Humira since immunosuppressive therapies can increase the risk of viral infections or reactivation of latent viruses 1. You should continue taking both medications as prescribed by your healthcare providers. However, it's essential to inform all your doctors about all medications you're taking, including Valtrex and Humira, to ensure proper monitoring. If you notice any unusual symptoms after taking these medications together, such as increased side effects or reduced effectiveness of either medication, contact your healthcare provider promptly. The timing of taking Valtrex relative to your Humira injection doesn't typically matter, but follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding administration schedules.
Some key points to consider:
- Valtrex has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding, which can be beneficial for patients on immunosuppressive therapies like Humira 2.
- The combination of valacyclovir with an anti-TNF alpha antibody, such as Humira, may increase the survival rate compared to antiviral therapy alone in certain cases 1.
- It's crucial to monitor for potential side effects, such as increased risk of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)-like syndrome, especially in immunocompromised patients receiving high-dose valaciclovir therapy 3.
- Valtrex is generally well-tolerated, with headache being the most commonly reported side effect 3, 4.
Overall, the benefits of taking Valtrex while on Humira injections appear to outweigh the risks, and patients should continue taking both medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers, with proper monitoring and follow-up.